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“The heart of the question is whether all Americans are to be afforded equal rights and equal opportunities, whether we are going to treat our fellow Americans as we want to be treated.”

President John F. Kennedy, 1963

September 2, 2007

Revised Mission Statement – Standing Committee on Civil Rights

Established in 1952, the Committee on Civil Rights provides a forum for information and advocacy concerning the rights of due process and equal protection under the law guaranteed to all persons. The Committee addresses civil rights issues affecting all New Yorkers on the local, state and national levels.

The Committee is empowered to consider all matters relating to civil rights and liberties guaranteed by the United States and New York Constitutions, as well as related statutory rights and liberties under federal and state law. With the approval of the Executive Committee, the Committee may issue statements, positions, or take such other steps as it may deem proper in instances where action by the bar appears expedient, and may cooperate with other bar associations when, in its judgment, such cooperation will result in a more effective protection of civil rights and liberties. Such areas of involvement may include, but are not limited to, issues involving racial, ethnic or other forms of discrimination or injustice, immigrants’ rights, privacy and technology, national security, freedom of speech and assembly, and the rights of the poor.

The Committee may sponsor and co-sponsor programs covering a broad spectrum of civil rights-related issues. In consultation with the Executive Committee, the Committee may submit reports to the Association and in appropriate cases propose amicus briefs for filing by the Association with the United States Supreme Court, New York Court of Appeals and other venues.